THE PRESIDENT: I'd like to thank you all for the hard work you're doing. I
appreciate Senators Hutchison and Cornyn, Congressman DeLay, Governor
Perry.

First of all, the people of the state are counting on you. I know you're
working hard. And I appreciate the response - nobody asks for these
things, but when they come, we have a duty. I'm really here to let the
folks in Texas know that the federal government knows we have a
responsibility to support you in the mission of saving lives, first and
foremost, and then help to rebuild their lives.

There's some issues that we've been briefed on that I think it's important
for our fellow citizens to understand in Texas, that for those who feel
like they need to get back to a city like Houston, it's important to delay
your trip, so that essential personnel are able to get to the affected
areas. We've got - we're moving assets - military assets, for example -
trying to help people who need help, and if the highways are clogged it's
going to make it hard to get those assets into the affected areas.

Houston hospitals, for example, are in need of nurses. Nurses who are now
trying to get back in are having problems getting on the highways. And so
I would ask for those of you in the state to - who are in safe places now,
not to hurry back to a city like Houston, and let these highways flow with
necessary goods and services to the people in deep east Texas who have been
affected.

I know for a lot of folks in the states, these are miserable times. I hope
you can take some comfort knowing there's a lot of people - like the people
in this room who are working overtime to save you and to help you; and that
I think you'll be amazed by the extraordinary compassion of the people of
Texas as they rise up to help their fellow citizens in need.

At any rate, it's good to see you all. Thank you for your hard work. May
God bless those who have been affected, may God bless those who are helping
those who have been affected, and may God bless the country. Thank you.
(Applause.)